Portable multi-function inspection systems and methods

ABSTRACT

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, a portable inspection system is disclosed to capture inspection data, such as for example an infrared image, sound information, and/or electrical measurement information. The inspection data may be securely recorded (e.g., with an encryption algorithm) along with associated information, which may include for example date, time, system settings, operator identification, and location.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This continuation patent application claims priority to and the benefitof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/683,943 filed on Mar. 8, 2007,now issued Dec. 14, 2010 as U.S. Pat. No. 7,851,758, which is acontinuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/403,534 filed on Apr. 12, 2006, which is a continuation-in-part (CIP)of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/239,531 filed on Sep. 29, 2005now abandoned, which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to inspection systems, and moreparticularly, for example, to infrared inspection systems.

RELATED ART

Environmental and safety concerns may require periodic monitoring ofproduction facilities or electrical devices and distribution systems,which may utilize toxic, flammable, controlled substances, or pose othertypes of hazards. For example in some production facilities, thesesubstances pass through hundreds of pressurized pipes and tanks havingthousands of seals, seams, and joints at various locations. As anotherexample, an electrical distribution system may need to be monitored todetect potential device failures or other potentially hazardoussituations.

In some cases, periodic inspection of the facilities at these locationsmust be documented to comply with various regulatory agency requirementsor to ensure safe operation and avoid costly equipment failures. Forexample, failure to adequately document compliance with the requirementscan result in a levy of fines against the offending facility and a haltto ongoing production until compliance can be verified.

With such a strong motivation to document compliance, there is also apossibility of fraud or inadvertent failures to properly comply. Forexample, an individual may wish to falsify a compliance report toindicate an area of the production facility was inspected, when it wasnot (e.g., only a portion of an inspection route was completed, whilesome other portion was not completed). Furthermore, an inspectionprocedure may require the inspector to be certified in some particularinspection capacity. Because it may be more expensive to acquireservices from a certified inspector, there may be an attempt to utilizeuncertified people. In this case, the inspection may have beencompleted, but may have been accomplished by an uncertified orunqualified person.

There are also safety issues involved for an inspector when inspectingsome types of electrical equipment or other types of productionfacilities. For example, conventional types of inspection equipment maynot provide sufficient information to the operator of the inspectionequipment during an inspection procedure.

In view of these issues and others, there remains a need in the art forimproved inspection systems that may reduce fraud, facilitate a morecomplete inspection or more trustworthy compliance verification, and/orprovide adequate information to the inspector regarding potentialhazards or inspection procedures so that the inspection is performed ina safe manner.

SUMMARY

Systems and methods are disclosed herein, in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present invention, to provide portable inspectionsystems. For example, the inspection system may provide securerecordation of inspection data, such as for example for infrared (IR)images within an infrared camera or to secure other types of inspectiondata within an inspection system (e.g., a portable inspection tool). Asanother example, the inspection system may provide safety information tothe operator of the inspection system and warn the operator if unsafeinspection conditions exist or safety procedures are not followed. Theinspection system may also use the information (e.g., measurements andother information obtained) to perform calculations to determine safeoperating parameters of the equipment being inspected and provide thecalculation results to the operator.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a camerasystem is disclosed for recording infrared images (e.g., one or moresingle frames or real time video), with the images securely recordedwith the time and date of the recordation. The camera system mayoptionally include additional features to obtain additional informationassociated with the recordation. For example, information on theoperator of the camera system, location, camera orientation, camerarecordation settings, audio information, electrical measurements,distance measurements, and/or gas concentration information may beobtained at the time of the recordation and securely associated with thecorresponding images.

More specifically in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention, an inspection system is disclosed to capture infrared imagesand to securely record date, time, and/or other relevant informationalong with the captured image. For example, the inspection system maysecurely record the information by employing a cryptographic hashfunction and a private key to sign the information and store for laterverification. Alternatively or in addition, the infrared images may beencrypted using an encryption algorithm.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, aninspection system includes an infrared camera adapted to capture imagedata of a target; means for capturing at least one of sound data andchemical data on the target; and a processor adapted to provide asignature for the image data and time and date of the image data captureand associated inspection information, wherein the associated inspectioninformation provides at least one of a location of the infrared camera,an orientation of the infrared camera, operator information of theinfrared camera, camera settings, target information, audio information,and gas concentration information.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, aportable inspection system includes means for inspecting a target toobtain inspection data; means for obtaining a first set of informationassociated with the inspection data, wherein the first set ofinformation comprises at least one of a setting of the inspecting means,a location of the inspecting means, an orientation of the inspectingmeans, operator information of the inspecting means, a time of obtainingthe inspection data, a date of obtaining the inspection data, targetinformation, an audio analysis, and a gas analysis; and means forgenerating a signature for the inspection data and the first set ofinformation associated with the inspection data.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a methodof securely recording inspection data within a portable inspectionsystem includes inspecting a target with the inspection system to obtaininspection data comprising image data, sound data, and at least one ofgas concentration data, vibration data, and lubrication data;determining at least one of target information and a location of theinspection system during the inspecting operation; determining a timeand a date for the inspecting operation; and securing the inspectiondata, the time, the date, and at least one of the location and thetarget information within the inspection system with an encryptionalgorithm.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, aninspection system includes an infrared detector adapted to captureinfrared image data of an electrical component; a display adapted todisplay the infrared image data; a data entry device adapted to allow anoperator to enter information into the inspection system; a memoryadapted to store the infrared image data and the information providedvia the data entry device, wherein the memory further stores at leastone equation for performing computations based on temperature andelectrical load measurements; and a processor, coupled to the memory,the display, the infrared detector, and the data entry device, adaptedto execute the at least one equation and generate a result based on atleast one temperature measurement derived from the infrared image dataand at least one electrical load measurement stored in the memory.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, aportable inspection system includes means for receiving infrared imagedata from an electrical component; means for displaying the infraredimage data; means for entering information into the inspection system;means for storing the infrared image data, the information, and at leastone equation for temperature and electrical load measurements; means forgenerating a result based on the at least one equation, at least onetemperature measurement based on the infrared image data, and at leastone electrical load measurement provided to the storing means; and meansfor obtaining a first set of information associated with the infraredimage data, wherein the first set of information comprises a setting ofthe inspection system, a time of obtaining the infrared image data, adate of obtaining the infrared image data, and at least one of alocation of the inspection system, operator information of theinspection system, and identification information associated with theelectrical component

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a methodof inspecting an electrical device with a portable inspection systemincludes receiving infrared image data from the electrical device;displaying the infrared image data with the inspection system;determining a temperature measurement based on the infrared image data;determining an electrical load measurement; storing at least oneequation along with the electrical load measurement and the temperaturemeasurement within the inspection system; and generating a result basedon the at least one equation, the electrical load measurement, and thetemperature measurement to provide at least one of an expectedtemperature and an allowable electrical load.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an inspectionsystem includes an infrared camera adapted to capture infrared imagedata, wherein the infrared camera includes an infrared detectorconfigured to receive thermal energy and generate the infrared imagedata; a memory configured to store the infrared image data; a displayconfigured to display the infrared image data; and a controller, coupledto the display, the memory, and the infrared detector, configured tocontrol the infrared detector and process the infrared image data tostore in the memory and/or to view on the display. The inspection systemmay further include an extendable boom having a proximate end and adistal end; a sensor unit, coupled to the distal end of the extendableboom, having one or more sensors adapted to provide sensor information,the sensor unit configured to wirelessly communicate with the infraredcamera to provide the sensor information; and wherein the one or moresensors comprise an electrical measurement device configured to measurean electrical parameter of an inspection target to provide as anelectrical parameter value to the sensor unit to provide as the sensorinformation to the infrared camera.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an inspectionsystem includes an infrared camera adapted to capture infrared imagedata, wherein the infrared camera includes an infrared detectorconfigured to receive thermal energy and generate the infrared imagedata; a memory configured to store the infrared image data; a displayconfigured to display the infrared image data; and a controller, coupledto the display, the memory, and the infrared detector, configured tocontrol the infrared detector and process the infrared image data tostore in the memory and/or to view on the display. The inspection systemmay further include a sensor unit having one or more sensors adapted toprovide sensor information, the sensor unit configured to wirelesslycommunicate with the infrared camera to provide the sensor informationfor viewing on the display along with the infrared image data, andwherein the one or more sensors comprise a parameter measurement deviceconfigured to measure a parameter of an inspection target to provide asa parameter value to the sensor unit to provide as the sensorinformation to the infrared camera.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method, ofinspecting an inspection target with a portable inspection system,includes capturing infrared image data of the inspection target with theportable inspection system; processing the infrared image data withinthe portable inspection system; storing the infrared image data withinthe portable inspection system; displaying the infrared image data forviewing by a user of the portable inspection system; extending a boom ofthe portable inspection system towards the inspection target to capture,from a distal end of the boom, sensor information of the inspectiontarget; communicating wirelessly the sensor information; receiving thesensor information; and displaying the sensor information with theinfrared image data for viewing by the user of the portable inspectionsystem.

The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, which areincorporated into this section by reference. A more completeunderstanding of embodiments of the present invention will be affordedto those skilled in the art, as well as a realization of additionaladvantages thereof, by a consideration of the following detaileddescription. Reference will be made to the appended sheets of drawingsthat will first be described briefly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an inspection station where an inspector is operating aninspection system to examine an inspection target, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram view of an inspection system, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram view of an inspector identification unit,in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram view of a position determination unit, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a block diagram view of a target identification unit, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram view of a video processing unit, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram view of an audio processing unit, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a front plan view of an inspection system, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows a side plan view of an inspection system, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a block diagram view of gas concentration detection unit,in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows a block diagram view of a security processing unit, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows an exemplary signing of the infrared image data inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows an exemplary verification of the signed infrared imagedata of FIG. 12 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 14 shows an inspection flow, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 15 shows an inspection station where an inspector is operating aninspection system to examine an inspection target for a possibleelectrical anomaly, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show examples of inspection system displays for dataentry of information and calculation results in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention and their advantages are bestunderstood by referring to the detailed description that follows. Itshould be appreciated that like reference numerals are used to identifylike elements illustrated in one or more of the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows an inspection station 100, in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention, where an inspector 102 is operating aninspection system 104 to examine (e.g., view on a display 120 an imagereceived via a lens 126) an inspection target 106 (e.g., a pipe orcontainer for a possible gas leak as shown or an electrical device fordefects or temperature anomalies, as discussed further herein). As shownin FIG. 1 for this example, target 106 may be any component of aproduction facility, such as a juncture 108 between a cover plate 110mounted on a pipe 112 that conducts a gas or gas-emitting substance.

In this example, plate 110 is intended to seal the juncture 108 bycompressing a gasket (not shown) between plate 110 and pipe 112 so thata failure in the gasket might result in a gas leak that is detected byinspection system 104. Alternatively, any portion of any component atinspection station 110 may be inspected because any portion of the pipe112 or assembled plate 110 may develop a breach where gas may leak out.An inspection target identifier 114 may be mounted on or near inspectiontarget 106. Inspection target identifier 114 may be used for identifyingan associated inspection target 106 or inspection station 100, asexplained further herein.

Inspection system 104 may optionally include an extendable boom 116 thatmay support and/or contain one or more sensors 118 as disclosed herein.Inspection system 104 may also optionally include a light 122, a laserrangefinder 124, and/or one or more microphones 128. Light 122 may beused to illuminate the inspection scene, the inspection target, and/or agas cloud formed due to the possible breach in order to provide bettervisualization of a target or background scene, contrast between a gascloud and the background scene, and/or detectability of one or moreparticular gas components. Light 122 may be mounted either on a portionof extendable boom 116 or on a body portion of inspection system 104, asshown, and may for example emit illumination in an infrared range, avisible range, and/or an ultraviolet range, depending upon a desiredapplication. Similarly, laser rangefinder 124 and/or microphone 128 maybe either on a portion of extendable boom 116 or on a body portion ofinspection system 104.

Laser rangefinder 124 may be used to provide a narrow beam of coherentlight used to reflect off a portion of a gas cloud, inspection target,or scene background object in order to measure the distance from aparticular item of interest. Laser rangefinder 124 may produce a signalthat is recorded as additional inspection information such as to providedistance information. This distance information may be used for example,as discussed further herein, to help inspector 102 maintain a safedistance from target 106. Microphone 128 may be used to record audioinformation from inspector 102 or from target 106 and may also providedirectional cues to inspector 102, as discussed further herein.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary block diagram view of inspection system 104 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Inspectionsystem 104 includes a video processing unit 208 and a management unit220 and may further include one or more optional functional blocks orunits including an inspector (operator) identification unit 202, aposition determination unit 204, a target identification unit 206, anaudio processing unit 210, a gas concentration detection unit 212, asecurity processing unit 214, a vibration analysis unit 216, and/or alubrication analysis unit 218.

It should be understood that the block diagram of inspection system 104(FIG. 2) represents exemplary functional aspects of inspection system104. Therefore, one or more functional blocks may be optional (e.g.,inspector identification unit 202, position determination unit 204,target identification unit 206, audio processing unit 210, gasconcentration detection unit 212, security processing unit 214,vibration analysis unit 216, lubrication analysis unit 218, and/ortimekeeping unit 234 may be optional), depending upon the application orrequirements. Furthermore, one or more of the functional blocks ofinspection system 104 (FIG. 2) may be combined to share common functionsor circuitry (e.g., common processor or memory). For example, managementunit 220 may represent the control and processing functions forinspection system 104 and include various functional aspects ofinspection system 104 (e.g., including performing security processingunit 214 functions, vibration analyzer unit 216 functions, and/orlubrication analyzer unit 218 functions) and/or may be included withinone or more of the functional blocks of inspection system 104 (e.g.,within video processing unit 208).

In general, the exemplary block diagram view of inspection system 104 inFIG. 2 may be viewed as a processor or other type of controller toperform the inspection functions of inspection system 104 and tosecurely record the inspection data and associated information, asdisclosed herein. Furthermore, although shown as separate functionalunits, some or all of the communications and data processing functionsof inspection system 104 may functionally be performed by processor 230.Also, portions of some functional units may be combined or reorganizedat a different level of hierarchy.

For example, vibration analysis unit 216 may operate individually or inconcert with one or more functional units such as for example audioprocessing unit 210 to capture inspection information (e.g., a vibrationsignature for a mechanical device such as rotating machinery).Alternatively, vibration analysis unit 216 may capture the vibrationsignature using mechanical conduction or radio detection techniques aswould be understood by one skilled in the art.

As another example, lubrication analysis unit 218 (i.e. an oil analyzer)may include a wet sensor (not shown) and may operate individually or inconcert with one or more functional units such as for example gasconcentration detection unit 212 to capture inspection information(e.g., contamination or chemical breakdown of a lubricant). Furthermore,lubrication analysis unit 218 may perform an analysis of a lubricationsample to provide an early detection of wear and/or corrosion of alubricated mechanical device as would be understood by one skilled inthe art. In this manner, vibration analysis unit 216 and lubricationanalysis unit 218 may be considered a mechanical analysis unit.

Management unit 220 communicates with and controls various functionswithin inspection system 104 to securely capture one or more videoimages of or other information from an inspection target (e.g., when theidentity of the inspection system operator is recorded or verified andthe position of the inspection system is determined or matchespre-defined or predetermined conditions). Management unit 220 includes aprocessor 230 and a processor memory 232, such as a suitably programmedmicrocomputer. Processor 230 controls communications within inspectionsystem 104 and may perform computations to implement inspectionalgorithms. Processor memory 232 may be implemented in one or moretechnologies including a Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory(ROM), a magnetic disc, an optical disc, or other data storage andretrieval mediums. Processor 230 reads and executes instructionscontained within processor memory 232 to operate inspection system 104,for example, to perform computations and communicate within inspectionsystem 104.

In order to accurately monitor the time and date of inspection events,management unit 220 may include a timekeeping unit 234 that may generatetime and date information for use in marking captured images.Alternatively, time and date information for inspection system 104 maybe obtained from position determination unit 204 (e.g., GPS) and, thus,timekeeping unit 234 would not be required. Management unit 220 may alsorecord the position of inspection system 104 for an operator traversingan inspection route using position information provided by positiondetermination unit 204. Finally, management unit 220 includes anexternal input/output unit 236 that is configured to send and receivedata and instructions over an external connection 238 that may beimplemented as a wireless connection (e.g., radio frequency such asBluetooth™ or an optical communications link) or a wired connection,with one or more devices enabled to send information to or receiveinformation from inspection system 104. Processor 230 may alsocommunicate over external connection 238 with an Internet server totransfer information, such as for example synchronization informationfor timekeeping unit 234.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary block diagram view of inspector identificationunit 202 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.Inspector identification unit 202 may employ biometric technology andinclude a biometric sensing unit 302, for sensing or reading a biometricattribute of an inspection system operator, and a biometric database304, for storing and retrieving biometric data corresponding to one ormore operators. For example, biometric sensing unit 302 may read afingerprint or thumbprint of an operator to capture a biometric samplethat is stored in biometric database 304 and/or compared with biometricsample data stored in biometric database 304. Similarly, biometricsensing unit 302 may examine the eye of an operator to capture abiometric sample that is stored in biometric database 304 and/orcompared with biometric sample data stored in biometric database 304.

As an example, if the biometric sample taken by biometric sensing unit302 matches the information stored in biometric database 304, theoperator may be authenticated as an authorized operator either during aninspection operation, or to unlock or activate the inspection systemprior to use. In this manner, inspector identification unit 202 isconfigured to record and/or determine the identity of an operator ofinspection system 104. Biometric data stored in biometric database 304may be loaded from previously captured operator data or may be loadedthrough an initial operator validation process. Alternatively, theidentification of the inspector may be obtained through a keypad oroperator input, such as a corresponding password or secure key (e.g.,secure RSA key, discussed further herein).

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary block diagram view of position determinationunit 204 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.Position determination unit 204 may include a location determinationunit 402 and/or an orientation determination unit 404 to provideposition information of inspection system 104. Location determinationunit 402 may include a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) unit 406. Inorder to achieve higher accuracy, GPS unit 406 may be enabled with WideArea Augmentation System (WAAS) technology where GPS unit 406 receives acorrection signal generated based on data from a plurality of groundreference stations to further refine the accuracy of the positioninformation. Other technologies such as Differential GPS (DGPS) may alsobe used in order to improve position detection accuracy. Alternatively,location determination unit 402 may employ other location determinationtechniques, using for example cellular signals (e.g., triangulation) orother GPS-type or wide area network signal location techniques.

Orientation determination unit 404 may include a compass unit 408 formeasuring the rotational position of inspection system 104 based on areference heading. For example, compass unit 408 may measure therotational deviation of inspection system 104 as measured from amagnetic north direction based on the earth's magnetic field. Otherrotational deviations may be detected on up to three orthogonal axesusing various gyroscopic technologies. Rotation on these three axes maybe used to specify the pan and tilt of inspection system 104 in order toclearly document the location, position, and viewing angle of aninspection system operator. Laser rangefinder 124 (FIG. 1) may also beused to accurately determine distance to the object of interest withinthe field of view.

Consequently as an example, using one or more of these techniques withinspection system 104, sufficient information may be gathered toidentify the specific location, orientation, etc. for obtaining futureimages of a desired area or object of interest. As an example, imagecomparisons, image subtraction or differentiation, or other types ofimaging techniques (e.g., over various time periods) may be performed aswould be understood by one skilled in the art by using the positioninformation, orientation, distance, and/or other information gathered byand stored within inspection system 104.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary block diagram view of target identificationunit 206 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.Target identification unit 206 may include a passive targetidentification unit 502, an active target identification unit 504,and/or a target database 506 for storing and retrieving targetinformation. In reference to both FIGS. 1 and 5, target identifier 114may include a passive device for reading by a scanner such as a bar codeor other line-of-sight readable symbol in order to identify aninspection target. Alternatively or in addition, target identifier 114may include an active device such as a Radio Frequency Identification(RFID) tag that does not require direct line-of-sight access in order toidentify the inspection target. RFID units respond to a radio frequency(RF) query from an RFID reader and reply with tag information that isused to identify the inspection target. Any combination of passive andactive target identifiers may be used including, for example, an activetarget identifier for identifying a station or general region ofinspection having a plurality of inspection targets, where each targetat the station is identified with a passive target identifier.

Passive target identification unit 502 may read a passive targetidentifier 114 and produce target identifier information (e.g., serialnumber or other information) that is used to identify an associatedinspection target 106 or station 100. This identifying information maybe associated with a particular inspection target 106 or inspectionstation 100 so that, by reading the target identifier, one may determinethe inspection target or station. Passive target identification unit 502may include a barcode unit 508 to read a passive target identifier suchas a barcode, while active target identification unit 504 may include anRFID unit 510 to read from and/or write to an active target identifiersuch as an RFID tag. Alternatively, a barcode or other target identifiermay be read by a camera as will be discussed in reference to FIG. 6below. Target database 506 includes a memory for storing and retrievingtarget identifier information for a plurality of target identifiers aswell as association information to link each target identifier with aninspection target, station, or both. Therefore, an inspection target isidentified, for example, when the passive and/or active targetidentification information matches target database information in thetarget database.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary block diagram view of video processing unit208 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Videoprocessing unit 208 may include an infrared camera 602 (e.g., ahigh-resolution IR camera), a video memory 604, a watermark generationunit 606, and/or a video display 608. Camera 602 is configured tocapture still and/or moving infrared images and produce image signalsrepresenting the captured images. Camera 602 may include a processor toperform management unit 220 functions, as would be understood by oneskilled in the art.

Camera 602 may capture, for example, an image having picture elements,or pixels, with approximately 65,536 shades or gradations on a grayscalefrom white to black to detect gas leaks that cannot be recognized by ahuman observer, but that are visible using the high-resolution providedby camera 602. The high-resolution images captured by camera 602 may becoarsened, for example, to only 256 gradations to save memory storagespace once the desired features from the image have been extracted or alower resolution image is sufficient for the desired application.

The image signals from camera 602 may be converted into a digital imageformat that may be stored in and retrieved from video memory 604. Thecaptured images may be stored in a raw format or a standard formatcomplying with an industry standard such as the Joint PhotographicExperts Group (JPEG) family of standards, or Moving Picture ExpertsGroup (MPEG) family of standards, for example. Video display 608 may beused to replay captured images for review by the inspector or others.Infrared camera 602 may be used to capture an image of a barcode orother target identifier, where the captured image may be scanned eitherat the time of capture or at a later processing time to extract targetidentifier information such as the bar code number or charactersequence. One or more target markers on, at, or near the targetidentifier may be used to locate the target identifier orientation inthe captured image in order to properly extract the barcode information.Exemplary embodiments of camera 602 may include the Photon, ThermaCam®,InfraCAM™, or Micro thermal imaging systems manufactured by FLIRSystems™, Incorporated (corporate headquarters in Wilsonville, Oreg.).

Watermark generation unit 606 may optionally be included to receive thedigital image information and produce a new digital image havingembedded information intended to identify (e.g., authenticate) the newimage. The term watermark derives from the historical practice ofincluding faintly visible words or graphics with a printed document,often within the actual paper before printing, where the words orgraphics are designed to verify the authenticity or validate the sourceof the printed document. In traditional digital watermarking, a hiddenpattern of information bits are inserted into a digital image file thatprovides copyright information related to the image such as the author'sname, or contact information for reproduction rights, for example. Inthis disclosure, the term watermarking includes any practice ofinserting any information into the digital image related to the capturedimage or the current state (e.g., date, time, position, and/or operator)of inspection system 104.

In addition to or instead of altering the digital image file, theidentifying (e.g., authenticating) information may be included in aheader file appended to, collocated, or associated with the capturedimage file data. The header and/or embedded information may include anyinformation related to the captured image or the current state ofinspection system 104, including the date and/or time of image capture,the operator, the location and/or orientation of inspection system 104during image capture, and the target identifier information, forexample. The header and/or embedded information, for example, may alsoinclude camera setting information on how the image was recorded, suchas whether an image was considered radiometric or non-radiometric. Forthis disclosure, the term radiometric includes an assessment of acamera's ability to accurately convert radiated energy to objecttemperatures. For documentation purposes it may be desirable to record,with the radiometric image data, camera radiometric parametric data suchas emissivity settings, background temperature values, opticsparameters, filter parameters, target distance, camera range settings,and/or other thermographic setting information. These parameters mayalso be stored, for example, in the image header file.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary block diagram view of audio processing unit210 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Audioprocessing unit (APU) 210 may include a standard microphone 702, anultrasonic microphone 704, and/or a sound analysis unit (SAU) 706. Audioprocessing unit 210 may analyze and/or record at least some portion ofsounds related to an inspection, such as sounds associated with asuspected gas leak. Standard microphone 702 detects sound in a frequencyrange of between about 20 Hz to about 20 kHz, for example, and producesa corresponding standard microphone output signal. Ultrasonic microphone704 detects sound in a frequency range of between about 20 kHz to about30 kHz, for example, and produces a corresponding ultrasonic microphoneoutput signal. In this manner, audio processing unit 210 may beconsidered an ultrasonic analysis system and may operate functionallywith or be incorporated with vibration analyzer unit 216.

SAU 706 receives the microphone output signals and extracts audioinspection information that may be used to determine the presence and/orlocation, for example, of a gas leak. The extracted information may becomposed of sound components, such as sound frequency, sound intensity,and/or sound fluctuations that may indicate a gas leak or otherinspection artifact. SAU 706, for example, may be optional and some orall operations may be functionally performed by processor 230 and/or byvibration analyzer unit 216, as discussed in reference to FIG. 2.

The recorded sound, sound components, and/or sound analysis results mayoptionally be incorporated within a header file appended to, collocated,or associated with a captured image file data. The captured image may bea sequence of images comprising a video movie or a single image. Therecorded sound and/or components may similarly be a sequence of soundscomprising an audio stream or a snapshot of the sound converted to atime-weighted frequency distribution showing a characteristic audioprofile of an inspection target and/or a suspected leak.

FIG. 8 shows a front plan view of inspection system 104, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating an exemplarydiagonal placement with standard microphone 702 in a top-right positionand ultrasonic microphone 704 in a bottom-left position. Alternatively,microphones 702 and 704 may be positioned as desired on or withininspection system 104, such as for example mounted together orseparately to extend out from inspection system 104, depending on theapplication. Light 122 and laser rangefinder 124 are also shown, asdiscussed previously in reference to FIG. 1 for inspection system 104.

For example, a sensor 118 may be positioned on an end portion of eithera fixed, extendable, or detachable boom 116. Sensor 118 may also includefor example at least a portion of either audio processing unit 210and/or gas concentration detection unit 212. For example, in oneembodiment, sensor 118 may include standard microphone 702 and/orultrasonic microphone 704. Alternatively, sensor 118 may be located in afixed position on or within inspection system 104 (i.e., boom 116optional). In yet another alternative embodiment, when boom 116 isdetachable, an operator may grasp a portion of boom 116 and remove boom116 from a body portion of inspection system 104. In this case, sensor118 may communicate with inspection system through a fixed wireconnection such as a retractable or elasticized cable (not shown),through a wireless radio-frequency (RF) link, or an opticalcommunication link.

In this manner, an operator may extend sensor 118 towards an inspectiontarget separate from the inspection body for various advantageousreasons, including to obtain a sensor reading while maintaining theinspection system body at a safer distance, to document the motionand/or location of sensor 118 within the field of view of the capturedimage, or to provide the capture of a larger visual scene area. In thismanner, an inspection system operator may safety detect the presence ofa hazard before entry into a hazardous situation.

Sensor 118 may also include or represent an electrical measurementdevice (e.g., a multimeter or a clamp meter) for measuring variouselectrical parameters, such as voltage, current, or resistance. Forexample, sensor 118 may represent an amp meter (e.g., a clamp-on ampmeter or an Ampstik®), with boom 116 representing a telescoping hotstick (e.g., for high voltage applications) that may be attached toinspection system 104 or carried separately as discussed further herein(e.g., in reference to FIG. 15).

FIG. 9 shows a side plan view of inspection system 104 according to anembodiment of the present invention. The vertical and horizontaldisplacement of the standard microphone 702 and ultrasonic microphone704 shown in respective FIGS. 8 and 9 allows stereoscopic sounddetection which may optionally be used for location of a suspected leaksource. The video processing unit 208 (as shown in FIG. 6) and the audioprocessing unit 210 (as shown in FIG. 7) may be calibrated so that thesuspected gas leak source, or other audio source of interest, may beannotated on one or more captured images indicating more precisely thelocation of the suspected leak. Additionally, visual cues may bepresented to an inspection system operator in the form of arrowsdisplayed on video display 608, for example, to assist in identifyingthe location of a suspected leak by providing pan and/or tilt pointingdirections to the operator.

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary block diagram view of gas concentrationdetection unit 212 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. Gas concentration detection unit 212 may be referred tocolloquially as a “sniffer” which may include a solid-state chemicalsensor 1002, a photometric gas sensor 1004, a gas chromatography unit1006, and/or a chemical analysis unit (CAU) 1008. Solid-state chemicalsensor 1002 may comprise a single sensor or a sensor array that maysense, for example, the presence of a chemical element or compound. Forexample, solid-state chemical sensor 1002 may comprise a sintered metaloxide semiconductor (MOS) element such as provided by FigaroEngineering, Incorporated of Glenview, Ill.

An exemplary solid-state chemical sensor may detect the presence andconcentration of one or more gases through a change in electricalconductivity when a reducing gas is adsorbed on one or more sensorsurfaces. The types of gases sensed by gas concentration detection unit212 may include combustible gases, toxic gases, organic solvents, and/orhydrocarbons and other byproducts of an oil refining operation.Specifically, gas concentration detection unit 212 may detect methane,propane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, alcohol,toluene, xylene, refrigerant gases, and/or other volatile organiccompounds (VOCs). Alternatively, solid-state chemical sensor 1002 mayinclude, for example, one or more chemically sensitive resistanceelements that may change in electrical resistance values based on thepresence and/or concentration of one or more gases. In both the MOS andchemical resistor examples, a library of solid-state detection profilesmay be stored corresponding to each expected type of detectable gas.

Photometric gas sensor 1004 may comprise a single photometric detectoror an array of detectors that may detect the presence and composition ofone or more gases using photometric techniques relying on theultra-violet (UV) or visible light absorption of various gas-phasechemical and chemical compounds to determine the presence andconcentration of various gases. Photometric gas sensor 1004 may includean illumination chamber including one or more light sources and one ormore photodetectors. A library of photometric detection profiles may bestored corresponding to each expected type of gas.

Gas chromatography unit 1006 may comprise a single chromatographicdetector or an array of detectors that may detect the presence,composition, and/or concentration of one or more gases usingchromatographic techniques where a gas sample in a fixed size combustionchamber or column (not shown) is heated through electrical or chemicalmeans so that the contained gas sample emits light in various spectracorresponding to the chemical composition of the gas sample. Bydetection of the emitted light spectra, the chemical composition of thegas sample may be known. Further, because the size of the combustionchamber is known, by the intensity and duration of the emitted lightspectra, the quantity or concentration of the constituent parts of thegas sample may be known. In this manner, both the composition andconcentration of the gas may be determined. A library of chromatographicdetection profiles may be stored corresponding to each expected type ofgas.

Solid-state chemical sensor 1002, photometric gas sensor 1004, and/orgas chromatography unit 1006 may operate independently or cooperativelyto provide gas concentration measurement information to chemicalanalysis unit 1008 regarding the presence, composition, and/orconcentration of one or more detected gases. Chemical analysis unit 1008may produce a gas concentration output that may optionally beincorporated within the header file appended to, collocated, orassociated with the captured image file data. Chemical analysis unit1008, for example, may be optional and some or all operations may befunctionally performed by processor 230, as described in reference toFIG. 2.

As described in reference to FIG. 9, sensor 118 may also include atleast a portion of gas concentration detection unit 212. For example,sensor 118 may comprise a portion of solid-state chemical sensor 1002, aphotometric sensor 1004, and/or a gas chromatography unit 1006. Whensensor 118 is located at or near the end of extendable boom 116, sensor118 may extend away from an operator in order to perform detectionwithin undisturbed ambient air. Alternatively, when boom 116 isextended, sensor 118 may be inserted into a gas storage area or othernarrowly accessible location, or within a suspected gas cloud or leakarea. Because inspection system 104 is easily transportable, an operatormay complete a survey, such as a walking survey, satisfying anycombination of station-specific, periodic, or continuous monitoringrequirements in accordance with one or more Environmental ProtectionAgency (EPA) methods, United States Federal Test Procedures (FTPs),and/or industry related rules or regulations.

The inspection information collected by inspection system 104 may bestored using various techniques. For example, watermark generation unit606 (FIG. 6) may be used to produce a new header file having embeddedinformation, or the watermark could be appended to the header. Theheader and/or embedded information may also include an encrypted orplaintext signature for authentication of the image. Furthermore, inreference to FIG. 11, security processing unit 214, in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention, may provide encryption anddecryption processing for information related to the watermark, imagefile, and/or header (e.g., the image header file and/or embeddedinformation).

Security processing unit 214 includes an encryption and decryptionengine 1102, a key memory 1104, and a key generator 1106. Engine 1102provides encryption and decryption processing according to any one ofseveral private or public key encryption or signature algorithmsincluding the RSA algorithm (by RSA Security of Bedford, Mass.), theDigital Encryption Standard (DES), the Advanced Encryption Standard(AES), and broad families of signature or hash algorithms such as theSecure Hash Algorithm (SHA) and the Message Digest (MD) algorithm. Keymemory 1104 is configured to store and retrieve cryptographic keys. Keygenerator 1106 is configured to generate a new cryptographic key.

The header and/or embedded (e.g., watermark) information discussed abovemay be secured by encryption prior to inclusion within the image data(e.g., secure header or embedded information along with the imageinformation in order to identify and validate the captured image). Forexample, information exchanged with an active target identifier, such asan RFID, may be secured within the header (or watermark) throughencryption. Additionally for example, a secure time and date stamp,operator identification, orientation, camera settings (e.g., radiometricinformation), location, electrical measurements, calculations, and/orother inspection information may be recorded within the header (orwatermark).

In general depending upon the level of security desired and the specificrequirements or applications, the image data (e.g., high resolutiondata) may not have to be encrypted. For example, by not encrypting theimage file, considerable savings may be achieved in terms of processing,power savings, time, and/or memory. Thus, the image data may be securelyrecorded and validated by generating an associated signature that may beverified. Consequently, the image data is viewable and useable in aconventional fashion (e.g., using conventional imaging or displaytechniques), but is also verifiable through the signature.

As an example, referring briefly to FIGS. 12 and 13, an example of dataencryption or secure recordation for inspection system 104 is providedin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. For thisexemplary data encryption, a public private key infrastructure (PKI) isemployed to generate a cryptographic signature for the image data (e.g.,high resolution single frame or video data from video processing unit208) and the header data (e.g., inspection information including camerasettings, location, orientation, date, time, operator information, audioinformation, gas analysis information, electrical measurements,calculations, and/or target information).

As shown in FIG. 12, the image frame data (e.g., header and digitalimage data) is hashed and then signed with a private key located withininspection system 104 (e.g., within security processing unit 214, whichmay be provided by the operator of inspection system 104 and serve as anoperator identification). The signed image information may then bestored and/or used as image information is normally used for cameraapplications, but with the added benefit of being fully verifiable viathe associated encrypted digest information.

The verification is accomplished, as illustrated in FIG. 13, byrehashing the encrypted digest information and decrypting the signaturewith a public key, with the resulting digest information verified bycomparing to the hashed image frame data. The image data and the headerdata cannot be tampered with out the private key, which is stored ininspection system 104.

The encrypted header or embedded information may be included, forexample, based on the inspection route traveled by the inspector (e.g.,to provide route-key tagging). The inspection route may be recorded, forexample, because for each image, the location and time may be stored inthe header and signed and, thus, a secure record of the inspection routeis created. As an example, as an operator moves through a facility withinspection system 104 to inspect various targets, with camera settings,location, orientation, operator, time, date, radiometric parameters,audio information, gas analysis information, electrical measurements,and/or target information stored along with the corresponding imagedata. The image with header information may be hashed and signed withthe signature stored along with the image. This information may then bereviewed via inspection system 104 or by downloading the information toa server or other type of data station (e.g., a computer orprocessor-based storage device) to verify the route traveled and theresults of the inspections. Furthermore, the information may bedownloaded and stored based upon the location or target informationprovided by inspection system 104. An external time or event server (notshown) may also be used to synchronize and report the time (e.g., tagtime) or other event such as the inspection system entering a particularinspection location, time on station, and/or time traveling betweenstations, for example. The image date may be rehashed and the signaturevalidated with the public key.

FIG. 14 shows an exemplary inspection flow 1400 in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. Inspection flow 1400 may includeidentifying an inspector or operator of the inspection system inoperation 1402, determining an inspection position in operation 1404,identifying an inspection target in operation 1406, capturing inspectioninformation (e.g., one or more images, sounds, or gas concentrationmeasurements) in operation 1408, applying a secure tag (e.g., signature)to the inspection image in operation 1410, and storing the taggedinspection image into a memory in operation 1412. The tagged inspectionimage may be later transferred out of inspection system 104 to a server,a user, or a storage device through external connection 238, as shown inFIG. 2. It should be understood that one or more operations illustratedin inspection flow 1400 may be optional, depending upon the applicationor inspection requirements.

Operation 1402 includes, for example, operating inspector identificationunit 202 to identify and/or record the inspector prior to performing aninspection (e.g., in order to avoid the case where an unauthorized oruncertified person may perform the inspection), as discussed inreference to FIGS. 2 and 3. Operation 1404 includes operating positiondetermination unit 204 in order to determine the location andorientation of inspection system 104, as discussed in reference to FIGS.2 and 4. Operation 1406 includes operating target identification unit206 to identify an inspection target using one or more active or passivetarget identifiers, as discussed herein (e.g., in reference to FIGS. 1and 5).

Operation 1408 includes capturing inspection information including forexample one or more of image information, sound information, electricalmeasurements, and/or gas concentration information. In this manner,operation 1408 may include operating video processing unit 208 tocapture one or more images and optionally applying a watermark, asdiscussed in reference to FIGS. 2 and 6. Operation 1408 may also includeoperating audio processing unit 210 (to capture one or more audiosamples as discussed in reference to FIGS. 7, 8, and 9) and/or operatinggas concentration detection unit 212 to detect the presence andconcentration of one or more chemicals and/or chemical compounds asdiscussed in reference to FIG. 10. Operation 1408 may also includeobtaining desired electrical data and/or calculation results asdiscussed previously and discussed further in reference to FIGS. 15-17.For example, the electrical data may be obtained from an electricalmeasurement device (e.g., by a wireless transfer of the data from thedevice to the inspection system) or by the operator reading the datafrom the device or from a control panel and entering the data into theinspection system.

Flow 1400 continues with operation 1410 that may include applying asecure tag to the captured inspection image (e.g., encrypting by signingor otherwise encoding information to secure the image data andassociated information), as discussed herein (e.g., in reference toFIGS. 2 and 11-13). Flow 1400 concludes with storing the inspectioninformation into a memory for later retrieval and transmission.

The techniques disclosed herein, as noted previously, may also beapplied to the measurement of electrical devices, such as for examplecomponents of an electrical distribution network in accordance with oneor more embodiments of the present invention. For example, FIG. 15 showsan inspection station 1560 that an inspection system 1500 may be used toexamine (e.g., for possible electrical and/or temperature anomalies) inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.Inspection station 1560 may represent a portion of an electricaldistribution system (e.g., a component of an electrical distributionsystem such as a switch in a substation), but it should be understoodthat this is not limiting and that the techniques disclosed herein maybe applied to any type of electrical device (e.g., a motor, a circuitbreaker, or other type of circuit which may be designated as the target,such as target 106).

Inspection system 1500 includes an inspection system 1502 and anelectrical measurement device 1520. For example, inspection system 1502may represent an exemplary implementation of inspection system 104 (FIG.2) and may include various functions and embodiments as discussed hereinfor inspection system 104, depending upon the desired application forinspection system 1502. For example, inspection system 1502 is shownwithout optional boom 116 and sensor 118, but these may be included ifrequired for the desired application and specific implementation forinspection system 1502. Furthermore, inspection system 1502 may notinclude various features, such as inspector identification unit 202,position determination unit 204, target identification unit 206, audioprocessing unit 210, gas concentration detection unit 212, securityprocessing unit 214, vibration analysis unit 216, and/or lubricationanalysis unit 218, depending upon the application requirements forinspection system 1502.

For example, inspection system 1502 may represent an infrared camera(e.g., with video processing unit 208 and management unit 220) and mayoptionally include light 122, microphone 128, a display screen 1504,and/or data entry 1506. Display screen 1504 may represent a liquidcrystal display or other type of viewable display for viewing by theoperator infrared images captured by inspection system 1502 along withother information. Display screen 1504 may be in addition to or insteadof display 120 (e.g., liquid crystal display screen or eyepiece viewer).Data entry 1506 represents a keypad or other types of buttons, switches,and/or knobs that allow an operator to enter information or controlfunctions of inspection system 1502.

Inspection system 1502 may also include laser rangefinder 124, which maybe used for example to determine a distance to an area of interest suchas a portion of inspection station 1560. For example, for safetyreasons, an operator of inspection system 1502 may need to maintain asafe distance from an electrical component of inspection station 1560during the inspection due to potentially hazardous materials, highvoltages, or due to rules or regulations pertaining to the site. Theoperator may also need the distance information to the target (e.g.,electrical component) for data collection purposes to store (e.g., usingtechniques discussed herein) with the image as a reference and/or toperform temperature or load calculations, discussed further herein.

As an example, the operator using data entry 1506 may enter a minimumdistance range into inspection system 1502. Laser rangefinder 124 mayperiodically or continuously measure the distance from inspection system1502 to the object (e.g., as the operator views and approaches target106 such as inspection station 1560) and this information may be storedwith the images (e.g., as similarly discussed previously for storingdata with the images) and/or provided to the operator via display 1504.For example, if the measured distance becomes less than the minimumdistance allowable as entered by the operator, a warning from inspectionsystem 1502 may be provided to the operator in the form of a visibleand/or audible warning to the operator.

As an example, the visible warning may include a visual change ondisplay 1504 such as a flashing or constant display of a warning lightor message. The warning light, for example, may be a color coded lightor message on display 1504, with the color coding indicating the degreeof the hazard or degree of the distance exceeded (e.g., a green color toindicate safe distance, a yellow color to indicate minimum distancereached, and a red color to indicate less than minimum distance).

As an example, the audible warning may include a sound emitted from aspeaker (e.g., a conventional camera speaker) within inspection system1502. The warning sound, for example, may be a siren or other audibletone (e.g., mono or multi-tone) or verbal warning (e.g., minimumdistance reached) and the volume may vary depending upon the degree ofthe distance exceeded. Alternatively or in addition, inspection system1502 may provide a vibration signal through inspection system 1502(e.g., via a conventional handgrip for the infrared camera) to provide awarning to the operator (e.g., the vibration signal is likely to beperceived by the operator holding inspection system 1502).

Electrical measurement device 1520 may represent any type of electricalmeasurement device for measuring current, voltage, resistance, orperforming other conventional electrical or magnetic measurements. Forexample, electrical measurement device 1520 may represent a multi-meteror a current meter, such as an amp meter or a clamp meter. As a specificexample, electrical measurement device 1520 may represent an Ampstik®,which may be attached to a telescoping hot stick held by the operator ofinspection system 1502.

Electrical measurement device 1520 may include data entry 1524, adisplay 1526, and/or probes 1522 in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention. Data entry 1524 represents a keypad or otheruser-operated controls for entering information into and controllingelectrical measurement device 1520. Display 1526 represents a displayfor viewing by the operator. Probes 1522 are used by electricalmeasurement device 1520 to perform the desired measurements (e.g.,measure current flowing through a line) as would be understood by oneskilled in the art.

Electrical measurement device 1520 may be separate from or incorporatedwithin inspection system 1502, depending upon the desired applicationand requirements. For example, electrical measurement device 1520 may beseparate from inspection system 1502 to allow freedom of movement ofelectrical measurement device 1520, with the measurements and operationof electrical measurement device 1520 for example being recorded byinspection system 1502.

Electrical measurement device 1520 may communicate with inspectionsystem 1502 via a wireless link, such as a radio frequency link (e.g.,Wi-Fi™, Bluetooth™, or other conventional wireless protocols andstandards) or an optical communication link. Alternatively, electricalmeasurement device 1520 may record the measurements and then transferthem when convenient to inspection system 1502 (e.g., via a USBconnection or other conventional wired connection). As anotheralternative, the operator may enter the data from electrical measurementdevice 1520 via data entry 1506 into inspection system 1502. Thus, oneor more of these techniques may be employed to perform measurements andtransfer the data to inspection system 1502.

As a specific example, electrical measurement device 1520 may becouplable or permanently coupled to inspection system 1502. If couplablefor example (i.e., not permanently attached), electrical measurementdevice 1520 may be detached by a user of inspection system 1502 toobtain electrical measurements (e.g., via a telescoping hot stick forhigh voltage applications) and then reattached to inspection system1502. As shown in FIG. 15, electrical measurement device 1520 may beattached to inspection system 1502 to a top or bottom portion, sideportion, etc. (as indicated by exemplary attachment of electricalmeasurement devices 1520(1) and 1520(2)). At the attachment position, awired interface 1510 (e.g., a USB connection or other type of serial orparallel connection) may be used to transfer information between aportion of inspection system 1502 and electrical measurement device1520. One or more electrical measurement devices 1520, for example, maybe couplable to inspection system 1502 for a user to select to obtainthe desired electrical measurements.

If electrical measurement device 1520 is permanently coupled toinspection system 1502 (e.g., for low voltage applications), forexample, electrical measurement device 1520 may be attached toinspection system 1502 to allow a user to position electricalmeasurement device 1520 to obtain the desired electrical measurements.As an example, electrical measurement device 1520(2) is shown attachedto inspection system 1502 so that a user of inspection system 1502 mayposition inspection system 1502 to allow probes 1522 to measure theelectrical device under test and then position inspection system 1502 toobtain desired infrared images (e.g., with this information storedwithin inspection system 1502 as discussed herein, for example, inreference to FIGS. 12-14).

By employing inspection system 1502 with electrical measurement device1520, information regarding the operation of an electrical device (e.g.,inspection station 1560) may be determined. For example, inspectionsystem 1502 may use the data collected, such as temperature ortemperature changes recorded by the infrared camera of inspection system1502 and/or electrical measurements from electrical measurement device1520, to perform temperature estimates or electrical load estimates forthe electrical device.

As a specific example, a temperature rise may be determined for adesired electrical load based on a measured load and a measuredtemperature. Specifically, given a temperature rise (ΔT_(meas)) of anelectrical component (e.g., target 106 such as a component of inspectionstation 1560) measured with the infrared (IR) camera of inspectionsystem 1502, and also given the electrical current (I_(meas)) throughthe electrical component (load) along with the maximum current (I_(max))allowed through the electrical component (load), equation (1) below maybe used to calculate the temperature rise (ΔT_(calc)) expected for adesired load (e.g., maximum load). The electrical current (I_(meas))through the electrical component may be determined using electricalmeasurement device 1520 or by providing or knowing through on-siteinstrumentation or other electrical control equipment (e.g., controlpanel) or equipment personnel the amount of current flowing through theelectrical component.

$\begin{matrix}{{\Delta\; T_{calc}} = {\Delta\;{T_{meas}\left( \frac{I_{\max}}{I_{meas}} \right)}^{n}}} & (1)\end{matrix}$

As an example in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a display screen format that may beprovided on display 1504 to guide the operator in providing the desiredinput data for calculating a desired result for the operator based onequation (1). The operator, for example, may enter the desiredinformation (or select the desired values transferred from electricalmeasurement device 1520) and command that the calculation be performedby inspection system 1502.

For example, for a measured load of 300 amps, a maximum load of 600amps, and a measured temperature rise of 150° F., the calculatedtemperature rise would be in a range from a low of 413° F. (usingn=1.46) to a high of 480° F. (using n=1.68) with an average value of447° F. The calculation result may be based on the average value as anestimate, because determining the target's emissivity may be difficultfor the operator at the target's location. The temperature rise, forexample, may be determined as the difference between the problem spot(e.g., a portion of the target) and a similar portion on a similarelectrical component under the same load and environmental conditions.

Equation (1) is based on a calculation of the convective and radiativeheat transfer from the target. As such, the target's emissivity and thereflected apparent temperature may be important variables. It shouldalso be noted that equation (1) does not correct for wind speed and isbased on a zero wind speed at the target's location.

The value of “n” may be estimated or determined, for example, based onsimulations (e.g., a value of n may range from 1.0 to 1.9). As anexample, the effects of changing load for various emissivity targets,air temperatures, and background temperatures may be determined, aswould be understood by one skilled in the art. The resulting data maythen be fit for equation (1) to find n for various conditions.Generally, modeling and simulations indicate that there may be no singlevalue for n for all cases and thus there is no simple load correctionfactor. However, a range of exponents (e.g., n values) may be used toprovide a reasonable estimate, such as for example from a high of 1.68to a low of 1.46 for the value of n.

For example, modeling and simulations may consider a low emissivitytarget (e.g., minimum of 0.6) to a high emissivity target (e.g., maximumof 0.95), with an air temperature of about 70° F., a backgroundtemperature ranging from 70° F. to −13° F., and a simulated target 4″wide by 1″ thick by 6″ tall. The value of n typically decreases as theheat transfer by radiation increases, due to its non-linear (e.g., T⁴)nature, with the strongest radiation occurring for high emissivity, lowbackground targets.

As another specific example, an electrical load (e.g., maximum load) maybe determined that would not exceed a maximum temperature given atemperature rise for a given electrical load. Specifically, equation (1)may be rearranged to provide equation (2) as shown below.

$\begin{matrix}{I_{\max} = {I_{meas}\left( \frac{\Delta\; T_{\max}}{\Delta\; T_{meas}} \right)}^{\frac{1}{n}}} & (2)\end{matrix}$

For equation (2), the maximum load (I_(max)) is calculated given themeasured load (I_(meas)), the maximum allowable temperature rise(ΔT_(max)), and the measured temperature rise (Δ_(meas)), with n beingan exponent determined as discussed above. For example, for a measuredtemperature rise of 200° F., a measured load of 300 amps, and a maximumallowable temperature rise of 350° F., the calculated I_(max) from 419amps (n=1.68) to 440 amps (n=1.46), with an average of 429 amps. Itshould be noted that units for temperature (temperature scale) forequation (2) should be consistent as the temperatures are a ratio, withthe ratio units merely needing to be consistent (e.g., ° F. or ° C.).

As an example in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a display screen format that may beprovided on display 1504 to guide the operator in providing the desiredinput data for calculating a desired result for the operator based onequation (2). The operator, for example, may enter the desiredinformation (or select the desired values transferred from electricalmeasurement device 1520) and command that the calculation be performedby inspection system 1502.

In general in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,inspection system 1500 may provide certain advantages over conventionalapproaches for inspecting electrical equipment. For example, athermographer may utilize the infrared images provided by inspectionsystem 1502 to obtain temperature measurements and use electricalmeasurement device 1504 to obtain electrical measurements, with variousinformation calculated by inspection system 1502 based on themeasurements. Inspection system 1502 may also provide safety information(e.g., safe distance perimeter) to the operator and may securely storethe measurements, calculations, distance, and/or other information withthe infrared images, as discussed herein. As a specific example, thethermographer's identification may be verified (e.g., unit 202),position determined (e.g., unit 204), target identified (e.g., unit206), audio notes recorded (e.g., unit 210), inspection route stored,and/or other parameters, measurements, or calculations securely storedalong with the infrared images (e.g., JPEG file) using the techniquesdisclosed herein.

Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide an inspection systemin accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Theinspection systems and methods disclosed herein may be employed, forexample in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentinvention, in a wide variety of applications. For example, an inspectionsystem may be utilized to provide production facility monitoring andcompliance verification, security surveillance, nuclear power plantpredictive and preventative maintenance, and other monitoring andsurveillance or compliance activities. As another example, an inspectionsystem may be utilized by law enforcement or military to recordengagements or record arrest or pursuit activities with securerecordation of the data (e.g., for evidentiary functions). As a furtherexample, the inspection system may be employed to perform electricalequipment inspection (e.g., to check for hot spots, defects, and/orpotential failure points) and may also perform calculations to determinesafe operating ranges.

Embodiments described above illustrate but do not limit the invention.It should also be understood that numerous modifications and variationsare possible in accordance with the principles of the present invention.Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined only by the followingclaims.

1. An inspection system, comprising: an infrared camera adapted tocapture infrared image data, wherein the infrared camera comprises: aninfrared detector configured to receive thermal energy and generate theinfrared image data; a memory configured to store the infrared imagedata; a display configured to display the infrared image data; and acontroller, coupled to the display, the memory, and the infrareddetector, configured to control the infrared detector and process theinfrared image data to store in the memory and/or to view on thedisplay; an extendable boom having a proximate end and a distal end; asensor unit, coupled to the distal end of the extendable boom, havingone or more sensors adapted to provide sensor information, the sensorunit configured to wirelessly communicate with the infrared camera toprovide the sensor information; wherein the one or more sensors comprisean electrical measurement device, configured to measure an electricalparameter of an inspection target to provide as an electrical parametervalue to the sensor unit to provide as the sensor information to theinfrared camera, and an extendable boom microphone adapted to capturesound data from the inspection target to provide as the sensorinformation to the infrared camera, and wherein the infrared cameracomprises: an infrared camera microphone adapted to capture sound datafrom the inspection target; and an audio processing unit adapted toanalyze the sound data from the inspection target provided by theextendable boom microphone and the infrared camera microphone todetermine a location of a gas leak associated with the inspection targetand to provide visual cues based on the sound data to the display todirect the user of the inspection system to the gas leak.
 2. Theinspection system of claim 1, wherein the infrared camera comprises: alaser rangefinder configured to provide a distance measurement betweenthe infrared camera and the inspection target; and wherein thecontroller is configured to receive the distance measurement and providea safe distance indication based on the distance measurement for viewingon the display by the user of the inspection system, wherein the safedistance indication provides a color-coded warning for a degree ofhazard to the user's safety based on the distance measurement and safedistance values stored in the memory.
 3. The inspection system of claim2, wherein the color-coded warning for a degree of hazard provides afirst color to indicate a safe distance, a second color to indicate aminimum distance range, and a third color to indicate a less than safeminimum distance, and wherein the controller comprises a processoradapted to execute instructions stored in the memory.
 4. The inspectionsystem of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors comprise a gasmeasurement device adapted to detect a presence and/or a concentrationof at least one gas in a vicinity of the inspection target to provide asa gas measurement value to the sensor unit to provide as the sensorinformation to the infrared camera.
 5. The inspection system of claim 4,wherein the electrical measurement device comprises a clamp meter, anamp meter, and/or a multimeter, wherein the gas measurement devicecomprises a solid-state chemical sensor, a photometric gas sensor, achemical analysis unit, and/or a gas chromatography unit, wherein theextendable boom is couplable to the infrared camera, and wherein theproximate end is configured to be held by a user of the inspectionsystem.
 6. The inspection system of claim 5, wherein the infrared camerafurther comprises: a target identification unit configured to obtaintarget identification information associated with the inspection target;a position determination unit configured to obtain location andorientation information of the inspection system; an operatoridentification unit configured to obtain user information associatedwith the user of the inspection system; and wherein the controller isadapted to provide a cryptographic signature for the infrared image dataalong with the sensor information, the target identificationinformation, the location and orientation information, and the userinformation.
 7. The inspection system of claim 4, wherein a library ofphotometric and/or chromatographic detection profiles corresponding tovarious types of gases are stored in the memory to compare to the gasmeasurement value to identify the type of gas associated with theinspection target.
 8. The inspection system of claim 1, wherein thememory is adapted to store at least one equation for performingcomputations based on temperature and electrical load measurements, andwherein the controller is adapted to execute the at least one equationand generate a result based on at least one temperature measurementderived from the infrared image data, at least one electrical loadmeasurement performed by the electrical measurement device and stored inthe memory, and a load correction factor.
 9. The inspection system ofclaim 8, wherein the at least one equation comprises a first equationfor determining a temperature estimate for a given electrical load and asecond equation for determining an electrical load estimate for a giventemperature.
 10. The inspection system of claim 1, wherein the infraredcamera is adapted to capture a first infrared image data of a targetidentifier associated with the inspection target, and wherein thecontroller is adapted to process the first infrared image data toextract target identifier information based on the target identifier.11. The inspection system of claim 1, further comprising an infraredcamera housing, wherein the infrared detector, the memory, the display,and the controller are within the housing, wherein the visual cuescomprise pan and tilt pointing directions to a user of the inspectionsystem, and wherein the audio processing unit is adapted to provideinformation based on the sound data to annotate one or more images ofthe infrared image data to store in the memory as to the location of thegas leak, and wherein the proximate end of the extendable boom isconfigured to be held by a user of the inspection system.
 12. Aninspection system, comprising: an infrared camera adapted to captureinfrared image data, wherein the infrared camera comprises: an infrareddetector configured to receive thermal energy and generate the infraredimage data; a memory configured to store the infrared image data; adisplay configured to display the infrared image data; and a controller,coupled to the display, the memory, and the infrared detector,configured to control the infrared detector and process the infraredimage data to store in the memory and/or to view on the display, asensor unit having one or more sensors adapted to provide sensorinformation, the sensor unit configured to wirelessly communicate withthe infrared camera to provide the sensor information for viewing on thedisplay along with the infrared image data, and wherein the one or moresensors comprise a parameter measurement device configured to measure aparameter of an inspection target to provide as a parameter value to thesensor unit to provide as the sensor information to the infrared camera;an extendable boom couplable to the infrared camera, the extendable boomhaving a proximate end and a distal end, wherein the proximate end isconfigured to be held by a user of the inspection system, and whereinthe sensor unit is coupled to the distal end of the extendable boom;wherein the one or more sensors comprise an extendable boom microphoneadapted to capture sound data from the inspection target to provide asthe sensor information to the infrared camera, and wherein the infraredcamera comprises: an infrared camera microphone adapted to capture sounddata from the inspection target; and an audio processing unit adapted toanalyze the sound data from the inspection target provided by theextendable boom microphone and the infrared camera microphone todetermine a location of a gas leak associated with the inspection targetand to provide visual cues based on the sound data to the display todirect the user of the inspection system to the gas leak.
 13. Theinspection system of claim 12, wherein the infrared camera comprises: alaser rangefinder configured to provide a distance measurement betweenthe infrared camera and the inspection target; wherein the controller isconfigured to receive the distance measurement and provide a safedistance indication based on the distance measurement for viewing on thedisplay by the user of the inspection system, wherein the safe distanceindication provides a color-coded warning for a degree of hazard to theuser's safety based on the distance measurement and safe distance valuesstored in the memory; and wherein the color-coded warning for a degreeof hazard provides a first color to indicate a safe distance and atleast a second color to indicate a minimum and/or less than safe minimumdistance range.
 14. The inspection system of claim 12, wherein the oneor more sensors comprise: an electrical measurement device configured tomeasure an electrical parameter of an inspection target to provide as anelectrical parameter value to the sensor unit to provide as the sensorinformation to the infrared camera; and a gas measurement device adaptedto detect a presence and/or a concentration of at least one gas in avicinity of the inspection target to provide as a gas measurement valueto the sensor unit to provide as the sensor information to the infraredcamera, wherein the electrical measurement device comprises a clampmeter, an amp meter, and/or a multimeter, and wherein the gasmeasurement device comprises a solid-state chemical sensor, aphotometric gas sensor, a chemical analysis unit, and/or a gaschromatography unit.
 15. The inspection system of claim 12, wherein theinfrared camera further comprises: a target identification unitconfigured to obtain target identification information associated withthe inspection target; a position determination unit configured toobtain location and orientation information of the inspection system; anoperator identification unit configured to obtain user informationassociated with the user of the inspection system; and wherein thecontroller is adapted to provide a cryptographic signature for theinfrared image data along with the sensor information, the targetidentification information, the location and orientation information,and the user information.
 16. The inspection system of claim 12, whereinthe one or more sensors comprise an electrical measurement deviceconfigured to measure an electrical parameter of an inspection target toprovide as an electrical parameter value to the sensor unit to provideas the sensor information to the infrared camera; and wherein the memoryis adapted to store at least one equation for performing computationsbased on temperature and electrical load measurements, and wherein thecontroller is adapted to execute the at least one equation and generatea result based on at least one temperature measurement derived from theinfrared image data, at least one electrical load measurement performedby the electrical measurement device and stored in the memory, and aload correction factor, and wherein the at least one equation comprisesa first equation for determining a temperature estimate for a givenelectrical load and a second equation for determining an electrical loadestimate for a given temperature.
 17. A method of inspecting aninspection target with the inspection system of claim 12, wherein theinspection system is a portable inspection system, the methodcomprising: capturing infrared image data of the inspection target withthe portable inspection system; processing the infrared image datawithin the portable inspection system; storing the infrared image datawithin the memory of the portable inspection system; displaying theinfrared image data for viewing by a user on the display of the portableinspection system; extending the boom of the portable inspection systemtowards the inspection target to capture, from a distal end of the boom,sensor information of the inspection target; communicating wirelesslythe sensor information; receiving the sensor information; and displayingthe sensor information with the infrared image data for viewing by theuser on the display of the portable inspection system.
 18. The method ofclaim 17, comprising: determining a distance measurement between theportable inspection system and the inspection target; displaying thedistance measurement with the infrared image data for viewing by theuser of the portable inspection system; and providing a color-codedwarning for a degree of hazard to the user's safety based on thedistance measurement and safe distance values.
 19. The method of claim17, wherein the sensor information comprises an electrical measurementand/or a gas measurement based on a presence and/or a concentration ofat least one gas in a vicinity of the inspection target.
 20. The methodof claim 17, wherein the sensor information comprises sound data fromthe inspection target, and wherein the method comprises displaying,based on the sound data, pointing cues to assist an operator of theportable inspection system to determine a location of a gas leakassociated with the inspection target.
 21. The method of claim 17,comprising: storing at least one equation for performing computationsbased on temperature and electrical load measurements; and calculating aresult based on the at least one equation, at least one temperaturemeasurement derived from the infrared image data, and at least oneelectrical load measurement from the sensor information.
 22. Aninspection system, comprising: an infrared camera adapted to captureinfrared image data, wherein the infrared camera comprises: an infrareddetector configured to receive thermal energy and generate the infraredimage data; a memory configured to store the infrared image data; alaser rangefinder configured to provide a distance measurement betweenthe infrared camera and an inspection target; a display configured todisplay the infrared image data; and a controller, coupled to thedisplay, the memory, and the infrared detector, configured to controlthe infrared detector and process the infrared image data to store inthe memory and/or to view on the display; and a sensor unit having oneor more sensors adapted to provide sensor information, the sensor unitconfigured to wirelessly communicate with the infrared camera to providethe sensor information for viewing on the display along with theinfrared image data, and wherein the one or more sensors comprise aparameter measurement device configured to measure a parameter of theinspection target to provide as a parameter value to the sensor unit toprovide as the sensor information to the infrared camera; wherein thecontroller is configured to receive the distance measurement and providea safe distance indication based on the distance measurement for viewingon the display by the user of the inspection system, wherein the safedistance indication provides a color-coded warning for a degree ofhazard to the user's safety based on the distance measurement and safedistance values stored in the memory; and wherein the color-codedwarning for a degree of hazard provides a first color to indicate a safedistance and at least a second color to indicate a minimum and/or lessthan safe minimum distance range.
 23. The inspection system of claim 22,wherein the one or more sensors comprise: an electrical measurementdevice configured to measure an electrical parameter of an inspectiontarget to provide as an electrical parameter value to the sensor unit toprovide as the sensor information to the infrared camera; and a gasmeasurement device adapted to detect a presence and/or a concentrationof at least one gas in a vicinity of the inspection target to provide asa gas measurement value to the sensor unit to provide as the sensorinformation to the infrared camera, wherein the electrical measurementdevice comprises a clamp meter, an amp meter, and/or a multimeter, andwherein the gas measurement device comprises a solid-state chemicalsensor, a photometric gas sensor, a chemical analysis unit, and/or a gaschromatography unit.
 24. The inspection system of claim 23, wherein thememory is adapted to store at least one equation for performingcomputations based on temperature and electrical load measurements, andwherein the controller is adapted to execute the at least one equationand generate a result based on at least one temperature measurementderived from the infrared image data, at least one electrical loadmeasurement performed by the electrical measurement device and stored inthe memory, and a load correction factor, and wherein the at least oneequation comprises a first equation for determining a temperatureestimate for a given electrical load and a second equation fordetermining an electrical load estimate for a given temperature.
 25. Theinspection system of claim 22, wherein the one or more sensors comprise:a target identification unit configured to obtain target identificationinformation associated with the inspection target; a positiondetermination unit configured to obtain location and orientationinformation of the inspection system; an operator identification unitconfigured to obtain user information associated with the user of theinspection system; and wherein the controller is adapted to provide acryptographic signature for the infrared image data along with thesensor information, the target identification information, the locationand orientation information, and the user information.
 26. Theinspection system of claim 22, further comprising: an extendable boomcouplable to the infrared camera, the extendable boom having a proximateend and a distal end, wherein the proximate end is configured to be heldby a user of the inspection system, and wherein the sensor unit iscoupled to the distal end of the extendable boom; wherein the one ormore sensors comprise an extendable boom microphone adapted to capturesound data from the inspection target to provide as the sensorinformation to the infrared camera, and wherein the infrared cameracomprises: an infrared camera microphone adapted to capture sound datafrom the inspection target; and an audio processing unit adapted toanalyze the sound data from the inspection target provided by theextendable boom microphone and the infrared camera microphone todetermine a location of a gas leak associated with the inspection targetand to provide visual cues based on the sound data to the display todirect the user of the inspection system to the gas leak.
 27. A methodof inspecting an inspection target with the inspection system of claim22, the method comprising: capturing infrared image data of theinspection target with the inspection system; processing the infraredimage data within the inspection system; storing the infrared image datawithin the memory of the inspection system; and displaying the infraredimage data for viewing by a user on the display of the inspectionsystem.
 28. The method of claim 27, further comprising: determining adistance measurement between the portable inspection system and theinspection target; and displaying the distance measurement and the safedistance indication along with the infrared image data for viewing bythe user of the portable inspection system.
 29. The method of claim 28,wherein the sensor information comprises an electrical measurementand/or a gas measurement based on a presence and/or a concentration ofat least one gas in a vicinity of the inspection target.
 30. The methodof claim 27, wherein the sensor information comprises sound data fromthe inspection target, and wherein the method comprises displaying,based on the sound data, pointing cues to assist an operator of theportable inspection system to determine a location of a gas leakassociated with the inspection target.